Requirements of the AP Portfolio
Big Ideas
Inquiry and Investigation: Investigate materials, processes, and ideas.
Making Through Practice, Experimentation, and Revision: Make works of art and design by practicing, experimenting, and revising.
Communication and Reflection: Communicate ideas about art and design
Inquiry and Investigation: Investigate materials, processes, and ideas.
Making Through Practice, Experimentation, and Revision: Make works of art and design by practicing, experimenting, and revising.
Communication and Reflection: Communicate ideas about art and design
40%
Total Exam score based on Selected Works 5 physical works of art (or high quality reproductions) that demonstrate synthesis of materials, processes and ideas using 2-D or Drawing skills or 10 digital images of two views of 5 artworks for 3-D portfolios. |
60%
Total score based on Sustained Investigation 15 digital images of works of art and process documentation that demonstrate sustained investigation through practice, experimentation and revision. Possible Artifacts for Process Documentation
Sketches Mind Maps Contact Sheets (make larger so you can see images) Journal Pages Research Images and notes Process photos (incl. student working) |
TIPS FOR A SUCCESSFUL SUSTAINED INVESTIGATION
1. It is not enough to focus on a subject (trees) or a medium (charcoal). If trees, why trees? Is it about growth? Negative space in nature? Protective canopies? Strength and endurance? Branch and leaf structures? The “design” of a forest in compositional relationships?
2. Your exploration should go deeper than merely taking a subject and executing it in a variety of media or styles. Example: Apples rendered in watercolor, stipple, crosshatch, cubism, fauvism and surrealism.
3. Ideally you should develop a visual language that fits your idea, a style and medium and format appropriate to the theme you are investigating.
5. Do not choose to work in a medium in which you have absolutely no experience. This is not the time to try something completely new. The point of the concentration is to work in depth. This can usually be best achieved in a medium in which you are already familiar. You are developing concept, not technique.
6. Research artists who have worked in styles similar to your own direction or with similar subject matter. Do not rely totally on yourself for inspiration. Look at historical masters, contemporary artists, the world around you and your peers to cross-pollinate your own ideas.
7. If you choose to work in an area rich in cliché or teenage stereotypes your work must be very original. It is strongly recommended that you avoid topics such as blood dripping, skulls, large eyes, hearts, fairies, vampires, emotion through eyes, your girlfriend/boyfriend, sunsets, rainbows & clouds, or sad clowns.
8. ALL images must adhere to copyright laws. By using original imagery or drawing from life you will avoid any issues.
9. Themes such as “my feelings and emotions”, “nature” or “flowers” are much too broad for a SI. Keep asking yourself "WHY" your idea is important/interesting.
1. It is not enough to focus on a subject (trees) or a medium (charcoal). If trees, why trees? Is it about growth? Negative space in nature? Protective canopies? Strength and endurance? Branch and leaf structures? The “design” of a forest in compositional relationships?
2. Your exploration should go deeper than merely taking a subject and executing it in a variety of media or styles. Example: Apples rendered in watercolor, stipple, crosshatch, cubism, fauvism and surrealism.
3. Ideally you should develop a visual language that fits your idea, a style and medium and format appropriate to the theme you are investigating.
5. Do not choose to work in a medium in which you have absolutely no experience. This is not the time to try something completely new. The point of the concentration is to work in depth. This can usually be best achieved in a medium in which you are already familiar. You are developing concept, not technique.
6. Research artists who have worked in styles similar to your own direction or with similar subject matter. Do not rely totally on yourself for inspiration. Look at historical masters, contemporary artists, the world around you and your peers to cross-pollinate your own ideas.
7. If you choose to work in an area rich in cliché or teenage stereotypes your work must be very original. It is strongly recommended that you avoid topics such as blood dripping, skulls, large eyes, hearts, fairies, vampires, emotion through eyes, your girlfriend/boyfriend, sunsets, rainbows & clouds, or sad clowns.
8. ALL images must adhere to copyright laws. By using original imagery or drawing from life you will avoid any issues.
9. Themes such as “my feelings and emotions”, “nature” or “flowers” are much too broad for a SI. Keep asking yourself "WHY" your idea is important/interesting.
LABELING YOUR ARTIFACTS AND WORKS
SELECTED WORKS
SUSTAINED INVESTIGATION